Traffic in Christchurch was brought to a standstill yesterday with residents blaming a town centre road closure for the gridlock.

Pictures shared on social media showed Wick Lane, Stour Road, Sopers Lane and surroundings roads blocked with cars due to a road closure in Willow Drive.

The road is due to be closed for four days say BCP Council, from 7am until 6pm daily. A diversion is in place via Stour Road and Barrack Road.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by David Mansfield

But residents slammed the planning yesterday, with the town centre already closed off due to the Monday Market.

Some said there wasn’t enough signage telling drivers the works were on, or where to avoid.

Responding to one person on social media, BCP Council said: "Traffic levels during school holidays are generally lower and the work is less disruptive. We apologise for the inconvenience but please bear with us as our roads will be better in the end.”

Some people commenting on social media claimed due to the pandemic and heatwave, the roads were busier now than ever before.